Traders reject Eid holidays, vow to keep shops open

E-Paper | May 11, 2026

LAHORE: The All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran on Monday rejected the Eid holidays and lockdown from May 8 to 17 and announced that they would keep shops opened till Chand Raat (moon night).

“We reject this announcement as the small traders and shopkeepers are already in great trouble due to limited timings of markets (from 9am to 6pm) for five days a week. This is also causing a huge rush of shoppers in the markets, spreading virus fast,” APAT General Secretary Naeem Mir said in a press release.

He asked the government to stop flag march, stop harassing traders and allow them to keep their shops open till 12pm (Chand Raat) so as to reduce rush of people in limited hours. “If you don’t do so, we will then keep our shops open on our own,” he warned.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2021

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Mansur Ul Haque

May 04, 2021 10:36am

Govt. has taken the decision in the National interest of the country. No force should be used to ask traders to shut their shops during Eid holidays as per govt. order. Instead only those shopkeepers should be allowed to open shops who have filed their income tax returns and have paid their taxes. FBR and it's staff has to work during Prolong holidays. Let's see how many shopkeepers open their shops.

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2008

May 04, 2021 11:00am

How will the army force traders to shut down shops?

Recommend 0

May 04, 2021 11:07am

It is startling that how people in our country are in stark denial of this fast spreading third wave of horrific pandemic.

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Mubashir Munir

May 04, 2021 11:53am

Please allow the shops to open 24 hours with sops as the customers are few and due to short time their is rush so there is request from provincial government to kindly allow 24 hour shopping all days as if this is not allowed they will be forced to close their business

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Ch. K. A. Nye

May 04, 2021 01:32pm

@2008,... By using the only option that works: danda...

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Zeeshan

May 04, 2021 02:10pm

No one it seems is ready to listen to govt now. What a funny situation has come in this country

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May 04, 2021 09:30pm

Blinded by $$

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abdeali nafar

May 04, 2021 09:36pm

the writ of the Govt. needs to be firmly established. Govt of the day should not be cowed down by the treaths unleased by the traders association..Priority should be given to the fast increase in cuvid 19 cases.

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Ibrahim

May 05, 2021 07:58am

Are these guys watching the heart wrenching news of cremation of COVID-19 victims in India

Recommend 0

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